UM Students Named ‘Last Best Speakers’

MISSOULA – The top six students enrolled in Introduction to Public Speaking at the University of Montana showcased their skills Dec. 6 during the Last Best Speakers Competition on campus.

Grayden Hidalgo of Dacula, Georgia, was named the top speaker in the persuasive category, and Bridger Liston of Missoula was the top informative speaker. They each earned $100.

The persuasive runner-up was Katrina Liston of Missoula, and Alex Carey of Bozeman took second place for informative. Both received $25.

The other two Last Best Speakers competitors were Burkleigh Yost of Pocatello, Idaho (informative), and Ava Sweet of Portland, Oregon (persuasive).

Participants in the competition, which takes place each semester, include the top informative and persuasive speakers enrolled in the course during spring semester. The top speakers from each section engage in a preliminary competition, and then six finalists speak during the Last Best Speaker Competition to earn the “Last Best Speaker” honor.